The E-510 nudges digital single-lens reflex cameras another step closer to capturing reality as faithfully as your retinas. Standard analog SLR features are still here, of course, like an optical viewfinder, zero shutter delay and lens swappability. But the 10-megapixel E-510 busts out some advances not yet common among its DSLR brethren, such as a live histogram — to remind you to turn off spot-metering before taking your pale-as-a-newt cubemate's Match.com pic, say. Image quality, with fine details chiseled into place and minimal noise or grain, resembles film prints and rivals pro models costing hundreds more.
Live to shoot
Real-time LCD preview deactivates the optical viewfinder and shows the scene on the back of the camera. This pocket-cam display style is great for low-to-the-ground or surreptitious shooting, and for previewing regular shots.
Dust in the wind
The image sensor has a mind — and body — of its own. It shakes off dust every time it turns on, and it tilts to counteract hand movement, keeping photos sharp even at 1/5-second exposures.
Pick a card, any card
One slot's dedicated to the typical DSLR CompactFlash card, but an additional slot accommodates xD cards, too. That means you can shoot with two cards at once, filling one then the other, or copy photos in-camera.
All kitted out
The two-lens kit starts with a wide, 14-42 mm lens (equivalent to a film camera's 28-84 mm) and adds a 40-150 mm zoom (80-300 mm) for telephoto shots. Crisp optics make these lenses stand out from the usual kit glass.
Fast action
Only 1.6 seconds from Off to On to shooting. Uncommonly fast processing records almost 20 photos in 10 seconds, so you won't have to wait for the camera to catch up with the action.
$1,000, olympusamerica.com
Photo: Tom Schierlitz
